Two Coalition MPs join Tim Watts in call for more private sponsorship of refugees

Professor Jane McAdam, said the proposal was welcomed, “because it will enable more refugees to find protection in Australia, simultaneously stimulating the economy, schools and resources in rural areas”.

“Experiences here and overseas show what a positive impact refugees can make to all aspects of life, and that they tend to be some of our most hardworking and committed residents.”

Professor McAdam went on to say, “The current scheme proposed by the government comes out of the existing refugee quota – in other words, the more sponsored refugees there are, the fewer government places are available. This in fact reduces the government’s commitment to refugee protection at a time when we are seeing the largest number of refugees in the world since WWII. Any private sponsorship scheme should be additional to the government’s quota – as is the case in Canada – and should ensure that all refugees have access to the same level of support.”